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ojthe 

A. Q. O. 




Copyright 1920 

by 

Mildred Emma Walton 



INDEX K^^ . 

Ain't it Awful -—- 10 

A Little Bit of Love 42 

All on a Summer Day 30 

Before Pay Day H 

Being Congenial 34 

Christmas ^4 

Coming Back 26 

Consider the Aunt 31 

Demobilized 9 

Don't be Blue 37 

Don't be a Cat 41 

Early Experiences in this City 14 

Experiences 13 

Filing 6 

Goodbye 13 

Government Ink 8 

Half a Step 32 

Here and There 38 

Home 20 

T Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet 33 

I Said 28 

I'll Win 36 

I'm So Glad 11 

In the Serious Vein 34 

I Vish Yo' Could be Mit Me Alvays 48 

I Will 42 

Jack 48 

Little Southern Girl 44 

Look What I Made 40 

Love and Joy - 16 

More Excelsior 29 

My Dad 20 

My Dearest 47 

My Roommate 18 

My Soldier 54 

Ninety and Nine 50 

Nobody Knows 37 

Not in the Summer Time 35 

Office Lore 6 

").: JUL 19 I920©C!.A570758 



Page 

On a Hundred and Twenty Per 16 

Ramblings 35 

Renunciation 49 

Rhyme of the A. G. O 7 

Service 6 

Soldier Boy 52 

Some Consolation 51 

Song of the Government Clerk 10 

Still Writing 28 

Sunshine Song 42 

That Maxwell 33 

The Aurora 36 

The Call 5 

The Castle - 44 

The City of Parting 20 

The Colonel is Coming 9 

The Dream Baby 43 

The First Love 49 

The Five 45 

The Home Land 23 

The Lone One 26 

The Soldiers _50 

The Sunny Side 27 

The Two 47 

The Wake of John Barleycorn - 19 

The Western Land 22 

To the Fifth Engineers 53 

To Him Who Hath 40 

To the Home Folks 25 

To the Sexton 8 

Travel Letter Number One 12 

Travel Letter Number Two 12 

Understanding 39 

LTnspoken 50 

Vain Words 46 

War Tax 17 

Washington 13 

We Do 53 

Why 37 

Why We Came 4 



To those who labor for to live ; 
To those who laugh and love and give ; 
To those who are glad they were created ; 
This little book is dedicated. 

— The Author. 



WHY WE CAME 

In the time of the country's need, 
Each of her children felt the call. 

Each of her children gave it heed 

And hastened to give her, best and all. 



THE CALL 

The nation called, and other parents sent their sons, 

But I had none to send, my only child 

A girl. I, in my heart 

Was glad, yet sorry, that was all I had. 

The nation called. My daughter caught the thrill 
Of service given, and began to cast about 
To find some way to serve, and when there's will, 
There comes a way, and so she went. 

The nation called, and far away she went 
To serve her country in the only way she could ; 
Went far away from home and those she loved 
To have her part in all the great world play. 

The nation called. Some thousand miles away 
My baby toils with many others who 
Have felt the call and gone far, far apart. 
From home and loved ones, even as she went. 

The nation called, and though my child has gone. 
She will return again to me some day. 
There is no peril in the path she treads. 
There are no dangers in the work she does. 

The nation called, and now I know that even I 
Can realize in some small measure what it means 
To send our children forth to fight — if needs be — die, 
That Liberty and Justice may be free. 

The nation called. My little girl has gone 

To lose some of youth's freshness in the strife. 

She will come back to me a child no more, 

A woman grown, with woman's heart and views. 

The nation called, her soldier went away. 

And though I feel I can not quite forgive his loving her, 

I hope that he comes back. 

I know she wants him to and this is why. 

The nation called, and in my window hangs a star. 
The envy of my friends, the pride of home. 
For I have given up my best, my all 
As others have, and I am glad 'tis so. 



SERVICE 

The wander lust sets my soul on fire 

As I dream of what may be. 
But dare I brave the ocean's ire 

And go beyond the sea? 

There are lands afar that I long to see 

And miles that I long to roam, 
But dare I leave my native land 

And go afar from home ? 

There is work someplace that I long to do, 

For I am young and strong. 
But dare I attempt flights yet unknown. 

And know it would not be wrong? 

There are dreams, sweet dreams that I pray may come 

I know that time will fly, 
And is it not well to do all I can 

As the years are passing by? 

There are struggling souls that I might help 

By a smile or word of cheer. 
But where, Oh where should my lot be cast? 

There, or just over here? 

There is one I love who is far away 

With a heart that is true and brave. 
Oh, tell me pray, is it meet that I 

Too, should cross the ocean's wave? 

Oh, the voice that speaks in my heart still cries 

'Tis well to pursue my plan 
And I will go to the place of strife 

And comfort weary man. 



OFFICE LORE 

"The Rhyme of the A. G. O." and more 
We give in the following office lore ; 
The Adjutant General's — our place of residing 
Over all the work of war presiding. 



FILING 

Filing, f-f-f-filing. 

That's the only w-w-w-work that I detest. 

When the s-sun shines 

In at the window 

I'll be f-f-f-f-filing with the rest. 



THE RHYME OF THE A. G. O. 

I sit me down in my den to write 

The rhyme of the A. G. O. 

I'm vising a government pen tonight, 

A piece of government paper white. 

And the time of Uncle Sam to write 

The rhyme of the A. G. O, 

It seems to be that one and all 

Belong to the A. G. O. 

The thin, the fat, the short, the tall. 

So strong is the A. G. O. 

Whether sick or well, weather cold or hot. 

If we want to come or if we do not, 

We have to be right on the spot, 

This throng of the A. G. O. 

I'm up in the morn and then I'm gone 

With a dash to the A. G. O. 

The only reason I'm up at dawn 

Is the cash of the A. G. O. 

Although prices are dreadful high 

And there's many things I cannot buy. 

If it weren't for that, I'd say "Goodbye," 

That cash of the A. G. O. 

Do you know that we all had 

The "flu" in the A. G. O.? 

W"e had it and we had it bad 

All through the A. G. O. 

When we thought we were lots worse. 

And had visions of a shiny hearse. 

Who should appear but the blessed nurse 

Sent out by the A. G. O. 

We are not sorry when work is done 

Here in the A. G. O. 

And we go home at set of sun. 

Home from the A. G. O. 

So we go home and then we sing. 

Or dance around in a merry ring, 

y\nd do not think a single thing 

About the A. G. O. 

We're all quite glad that we came here 

To work in the A. G. O. 

There is one thing that is quite clear 

To a clerk in the A. G. O. 

'Though while we're here we want to stay, 

Still when we've really gone away, 

We'll never work another day 

Here in the A. G. O. 



GOVERNMENT INK 

Do you think 

That government ink 

Makes a brand 

Upon the hand 

Of the government clerk? 

It is a sight — 
It sticks so tight, 
And so it stares 
Till off it wears 
By way of work. 

But beautiful hands 
Are not in the plans — 
But the work they do 
If it be true, 
Is what can pay. 

So do not think 
That a smudge of ink 
On the hand is sin, 
For that which will win 
Is an honest day. 



(The record of dead is the cemetery 
Here in the A. G. O. 
Their clerk is sure the sweetest 
Girl you would care to know.) 



TO THE SEXTON 

Fair sexton ! Oh ! and can it be 
You care for just a cemetery 
While I would fain you cared for me? 
Dear Sexton ! could these dead men be 
As sweet to you, as humble me — 
Who'd willingly give life for thee? 
Sweet Sexton ! And to think this grace 
Is wasted on a lifeless race 
When I have such an awful case ! 
My sexton ! If that were but true ; 
If 'twere my will we both should do; 
I'd bury all and fly with you. 



DEMOBOLIZED 

Inquiries come so thick and fast. 
Of legions that are gone and passed — 
Of companies that have been gassed — 
Of corps that into Hades passed— 
There's just one record that can last — 
DemoboHzed. 

If no one knows where men may be — 
If no one thinks — no one can see — 
If no one can imaginate — 
He always says, "Oh, that has late," 
DemoboHzed. 

Oh tell us where's the daughty "comp" 
That reached the farthest cedar stump? 
And where's the others brave and strong 
Who swept the dastard Hun along? 
DemoboHzed. 

And so, when last roll call is heard, 
Someone will speak this fateful word. 
We're glad the world is purer and freer 
And we'll be still more glad when we're 
DemoboHzed. 



THE COLONEL IS COMING 

"The Colonel is coming!" 

Some one spied. 

And spread the news on every side. 

"The Colonel is coming!" 

And every clerk 

Sits up straight and gets to work. 

The Colonel is coming. 

And can he 

Know the reason for industry? 

The Colonel is coming. 

He'll never tell 

The reason everyone works so well. 



AIN'T IT AWFUL? 

When your blood is red, and you're full of pep 

And long to walk with a running step ; 

When your brain's on fire 

With a mad desire; 

Ain't it awful 

To have nothing to do? 

When your eyes are bright, and your hair's on end, 

And you have long useful hours to spend ; 

When your body's lithe 

And your heart is blithe, 

Ain't it awful 

To have nothing to do? 

When the world's at work with a purpose grim ; 

When the boat's too slow and you long to swim; 

When the cars won't run 

And you want to walk; 

Ain't it awful 

To have nothing to do? 

When you're so rushed that you lose your head, 

And the world's so mad that you wish you were dead ; 

When the day's too short to do your task 

'Ere night begins, 'tis then you ask, 

"Oh wouldn't it be wonderful 

To have nothing to do?" 



SONG OF THE GOVERNMENT CLERK 

At the end of two weeks comes a happy time, 
And to meet it we come every day. 
For our life is a race. 
Just a long, long chase. 
And the dollar gets always away. 
Why am I always broke for money? 
What can the reason be? 
I wonder if the world's to blame — 
I wonder if it could be me. 
I'm always chasing pay checks. 
Watching coin drifting by. 
My cash is just like all my dreams — 
Coming bye and bye. 
Some people seem to save their earnings. 
I never get to save a cent, 
I have to make an awful effort 
To even pay my board and rent. 
Believe me, 

I'm always chasing pay days ; 
Happy to see the time approaching again. 
10 



BEFORE PAY DAY 

I gladly contemplate the time 

When sixty dollars will be mine. 

My pocketbook holds one thin dime. 

It's really very flat. 

I've worn the soles quite off my shoes 

In saving carfare, and I choose 

To say it is for exercise 

And think the others are not wise 

To anything like that. 

I darn my stockings, mend my clothes, 

The way they look, nobody knows. 

I stay away from picture shows 

And save each rusty cent. 

I do my laundry work at home. 

To drug stores I no longer roam. 

I see sweet flowers and pass them by. 

But to the woods I gaily hie 

On simple pleasures bent. 

"But why, you ask, "Do you so save? 

"You soon will fill an early grave." 

But I have this to say. 

You might as well now know the worst, 

It's three days till the thirty-first. 

When we will get our pay. 

And so I have to live on hash. 

Be careful of each cent of cash, 

Until that happy day. 

I'M SO GLAD 

The sun is hid and the sky is gray. 
A rain storm patters down today. 
Still with all this I only say, 
"I'm so glad." 

If you should wonder why it's so. 
Why I count the hours as they swiftly go, 
Just think a bit and you will know 
Why I'm so glad. 

The time is coming that I'll depart. 
Tomorrow night will see me start ; 
Vacation time — a happy heart, 
I'm so glad. 



11 



TRAVEL LETTER NO. 1 

The sun shines bright in the blue, blue sky, 

The clouds are chased away. 

But we all sighed a great big sigh 

When we heard the news today — 

For Rose-Mary McD., with her smile of cheer, 

Is soon to be going away from here. 

She's been with us a long, long time. 

She's worked with a spirit bold. 

Now she's going away to a sunny clime 

Where days are never cold. 

Rose-Mary McD., with your eyes of blue — 

We're mighty sure we envy you. 

We've all worked hard in the A. G. O. 

Soldiers with purpose grim. 

We sing the song of the A. G. O. 

With a spirit that has to win. 

Rose-Mary McD. we hope that you 

Will not forget friends, loyal and true. 

With a little gift we send you away. 

But what is sweeter still. 

For your success we all will pray 

With the very best good will. 

Rose-Mary McD. in the Golden West 

Don't forget, we ask, old friends are best. 

TRAVEL LETTER NO 2 

Goodbye, little girl, goodbye. 
We see you go, not a sigh 
Over mail you do, and memos, too. 
Those things of the bye and bye. 
But you are coming back to us. 
So there, little girl, we won't fuss. 
So long, little girl, so long. 
We know you are brave and strong. 
And our Friend in need, as along you speed, 
W^ill see that naught goes wrong. 
So we send you away with a smile today — 
Well, little girl, so long. 
Have a time, little girl, have a" time 
In that far off western clime. 
Don't flirt with the boys, but get all the joys 
Of a long vacation time. 
It will pass too quickly by. 
But then, little girl, don't cry. 
Well, little girl, goodbye. 
With love that will never die, 
We see you go on the wings of steam. 
Over forest, mountain and stream ; 
With smiles that are sweet and hearts that are true- 
Goodbye, little girl, to you. 

12 



GOODBYE 

Some Monday morning 

When the weather is clear. 

You all will wonder why I'm not here. 

But don't be grieving 

Because I'm leaving, 

And don't be heaving 

A sigh or tear. 

Dressed in my best duds 

What a picture I'll be — 

Each clerk and typist 

Will envy me. 

The office gossips, I presume, 

Will wonder why I leave so soon, 

And think I'm going 

On a honeymoon. 

EXPERIENCES 

Experiences, we all have had. 
Some were jolly, others sad. 
None there were so very bad. 



WASHINGTON 

Washington, the city beautiful, 

Your charm 

Is ever with us, 

Tho afar we stray 

From home — 

Looking back upon 

That time 

As far away; 

We tread your streets 

And feel it home to us. 

Your open arms 

A shelter give — 

And safe from harms 

We happy, live. 

Washington, to you 

Our hearts 

Are bound by fond 

Affection and we feel 

In you indeed 

A second home we've made — 

And when we part 

The parting brings us pain. 



13 



EARLY EXPERIENCES IN THIS CITY 

Sometimes I feel crazyfied, 

And want to write a verse. 
I know that if Walt Mason tried 

He couldn't write much worse. 
I don't know what to write about, 

I have so much to say. 
I really hadn't ought to start, 

For I should work today. 
But when the spirit seizes me, 

I'm bound to grab a pen, 
Or pencil lead, or piece of chalk, 

And to it right then. 
Mother says I'm bughouse. 

Pa thinks, but does not say. 
His little one a genius who 

Will win great fame some day.* 
My friends enjoy the dope I write, 

I'm sure they don't know why. 
But as long as they enjoy it, 

And don't worry, why should I? 
I know a very lovely girl, 

Whose height is six, you see. 
And as I am exactly five, 

She sure looks fine to me. 
There is one thing as you may see, 

I look up to her and she down on me. 
Last night we saw a palmist 

To have our fortunes read. 
And I was too disgusted 

To remember what he said. 
Then we started homeward. 

And it was just by chance 
We passed a place where everyone 

Likes to go and dance. 
So we went in and stayed a while. 

A sailor took my girl. 
And sailed away among the rest. 

His pants legs in a whirl. 
A soldier then approached me. 

And spoke the fatal spell. 
We started off and then it seemed 

To me — it might be — well. 
He only was a rookie. 

Was just a-learning how. 
He pushed me and he shoved me, 

He should have been a cow. 

14 



So I endured the infant 

Finally making an excuse 
To go look for my partner, 

Which saying proved its use. 
And so I waited calmly, 

For what fate I did not know. 
Along came another cavalier 

And it surely was a go. 
He knew the fancy stepping, 

The dizzy gliding too. 
And all the stunts he tried to act, 

I really couldn't do. 
We started slowly homeward, 

A dazzling moon on high, 
And all the time he talked a lot, 

Well— so did I, 
When we had reached the gate, ajar, 

We saw another pair, 
A-standing in the moonlight, 

yVnd making shadows there. 
Beware the little widow. 

For it was she, I say, 
Standing there with an infant. 

About eighteen and a day. 
The parting was quite painful. 

On his part, not on mine, 
I would not make another date. 

But said "Some other time." 
And then I went up stairs and read 

A nice love story too, 
And wrote my beau a letter which. 

Was very nice to do. 
This morning when I got to work, 

I felt as tired as could be 
But that's the way I often feel 

And so I thought I would be. 
I know that this is awful stuff 

I aimed to make it so. 
I just picked up a pen and ink, 

And it began to grow. 



"I know what it means to be lonesome," Oh yes. 
"I know how it feels to be blue," I guess, 
With nothing to do on Wednesday night 
But go up stairs, put out the light. 
And sfo to bed. 



15 



ON A HUNDRED AND TWENTY PER 

It's hard to look like a million dollar doll 

On a hundred and twenty per. 
But it's nice to wear hose of thinnest silk, 

And coats of thickest fur. 
It's hard to pay one's rent and board, 

When profiteers soar — 
And try to eat lunch at the Willard, 

On that hundred-twenty, no more. 
It's hard to do one's laundry work 

And mend your clothes at night, 
But they can't tell you're a government clerk. 

And patches are out of sight. 
It's hard to look like a million dollar doll 

On a hundred and twenty per — 
But it's worth the price when each one says, 

"Oh, boy! Just look at her." 
It's hard to think you are young but once. 

The years are fleeing fast. 
So any girl is an awful dunce — 

Not to make them count while they last. 



The landlady, at one place we used to stay. 

Preached the doctrine of "Love and Joy" to us each day, 

Till, of course, we finally moved away. 

LOVE AND JOY 

Love and Joy ! I wonder just how much of it exists 

Within the heart of the dame 

Who preaches to us, the same. 

Love and Joy ! I wonder how much of it was expended 

Upon her husband's head, 

(Who now is numbered with the dead). 

Love and Joy ! We'd rather 

Hear a song of heat and light 

Or breakfast of ham and eggs 

Or plenty of real cow milk and chicken legs. 

Love and Joy ! And how do we have time to think of it enough, 

When we have to put out the light 

At half past ten each night ! 

Love and Joy! We wonder how 

There's chance to practice it 

When our beaus are obliged to go at ten 

And linger not on the veranda then. 

Love and Joy! If she would only practice what she preaches! 

Oh, well, thank heavens she is not our mother — 

And as for landladies — soon we'll have another. 

16 



WAR TAX 

The war is done but there is yet 

An awful lot to do. 

And when you hear the National debt 

You think it can't be true. 

A "healthy debt" they say, but O ! 

Just listen to this tale of woe. 

We all subscribed the Victory Loan. 

We did it with a will. 

Without the slightest hint of groan 

We emptied out each till. 

We're proud of Victory, but — my! 

There's reason for our awful sigh. 

To a movie show we gaily go 

And pay the war-tax there. 

The ice-cream-soda's taxed but so. 

It whitens not one hair. 

But, Oh, the worst is yet to come. 

Just wait until this rhyme is done. 

For dope to put upon one's face 

The tax is gladly paid. 

For medicine we pay with grace 

And not a word is said. 

There's just one thing that breaks our hearts 

And rends our dollars into parts. 

'Tis tax they put on lingerie 

(A lady's B. V. D.'s) 

Now would you think that it would pay 

To put a tax on these? 

And do you think it is quite fair 

To tax a lady's underwear? 

The hose and other things they tax 
We really cannot mention. 
For everyone might warmly wax. 
If we should break convention. 
But anyhow, one thing is sure. 
The tax is vanity's best cure. 

A bright idea comes at last. 

The western home land free. 

We'll journey that way pretty fast, 

The simple life to see. 

We'll each one be a farmerette, 

And wear Dad's overalls, you bet. 

17 



MY ROOMMATE 

Six months ago today it was 
You spoke the fatal word. 
Six months today and you began 
To share my bed and board. 
My dearest one, I love you more 
Than I had ever loved before — 
Than I had ever loved of yore. 
In happiness we've scored. 

Six months ago the chance I took 

To take you unto me. 

You gave me one heart-smashing look 

And won your victory. 

But no regret is in my breast. 

I think you are the very best. 

My heart with love you've surely blessed. 

E'en though I am not free. 

We do not always just agree, 

That could not be the case, 

I say to you and you to me 

Each thing right to each face. 

And though we vex each other some. 

We soon forget it and it's done. 

Forgotten at the set of sun, 

And gladness takes its place. 

We're chums ; we're roommates and we're pards. 

If you should like to know. 

Each one the other gladly guards, 

Happy to have it so. 

We sleep, we eat, we walk together. 

In sunshine and in rainy weather. 

And still we know not when or whether 

One will have to go. 

You are to me a "little wife," 

I am to you the same. 

We're sisters though the fate of life 

Gave not to us the name. 

And when we part — we know not when. 

We both will shed some tears and then 

Will turn our thoughts to other "men" 

Our partners in the strife. 



THE WAKE OF JOHN BARLEYCORN 

"Old John Barleycorn is dead, dead, dead. 
Few tears do we shed o'er his head, head, head. 
The work of his hands was red, red, red. 
And we are all glad he is dead, dead, dead." 

This is the song we are happy to sing. 
This is the message we're happy to bring. 
This is the happiest song of the Spring, 
At the wake of Old John Barleycorn. 

This glorious event to celebrate right, 
A party was given on St. Patrick's night. 
That day is Irish as Irish could be — 
And as they have wakes, why shouldn't we? 

The house was all shrouded in brightest of green, 
Among which the white and the gold might be seen ; 
With shamrocks and pipes and gold harps galore ; 
Green ribbons and all completed the score. 

In the calm darkened room. Old Barleycorn lay, 
Asleep and at rest. Every dog has his day. 
Old John's was a day of struggle and strife — 
How quiet he lay after leaving this life ! 

In a cofan of black surrounded by all 
His co-partners in crime, who witnessed his fall, 
While we filtered in with laughter and moans. 
Sighs, giggles, sobs, exclamations and groans. 

"Oh don't he look natural," whispered one mourner clear. 
While the boys filled pipes we surrounded the beer. 
We started to chant now loud and now low, 
The death song "To — with John Barleycorn, go. 

"Old John Barleycorn is dead, dead, dead. 
Few tears do we shed o'er his head, head, head. 
The work of his hands was red, red, red. 
And we all are glad he is dead, dead, dead." 

"A speech," we all cried, and one tall lad, 
Made us a speech, the best we had had, 
"Poor old John, there he lies low. 
All dressed up and no place to go: 

19 



Thrown out of Heaven and kicked out of hell 
Where he may go — no one can tell. 

He caused nothing but death from the hour of his birth 
And now we are glad he's off of the earth." 

Well, sorrow don't last and we grew gay once more. 
Our feet fairly flew o'er the well polished floor. 
Our grief and our woe we drowned in song, 
In games and in laughter and nothing was wrong. 

The night wore away and the dawn in the east 
Was showing its light 'ere we finished our feast. 
Old John Barleycorn was dead, dead, dead. 
The wake was all over, so we went to bed. 



THE CITY OF PARTING 



This is a place of broken romances galore. 

Each one of us has one, or two, or three, or four, or more. 

Each one has felt the sting of parting pain. 

Saying "Good-bye" to never meet again. 

Each one of us has learned this thing to face. 
With tearless eyes, our footsteps we retrace. 
Sometime, somehow, somewhere, some day, we know — 
Some romance will not broken be, but live and grow. 



HOME 

No matter where we chance to roam 
No place is dear as home. Sweet Home, 



MY DAD 

Everybody writes about Mother, 

That's fine. 

But not everybody writes 

About Dad, 

That's what 

I'm going to do right now. 

My Dad, of course he is the best 

Looking man 

There ever was in the world. 

Yes, he is. 

Just ask Mother if she don't thing so, too. 

20 



My Dad, he never smoked or drank 

One drop. 

And never said bad ugly things 

To anybody 

About anyone, 

And always taught me not to either. 

My Dad, (how well I remember 

The time 

When I was just a tiny tot). 

Got up 

So early 

In the morning to go to work. 

My Dad, he used to let me ride 

On the horses. 

Or sit on the plow 

And hold the lines 

With my puppy in my arms. 

My Dad, I used to take him lunches 

In the middle 

Of the morning. 

Or the afternoon and then 

We'd both eat 'em. 

My Dad, he used to go to town and 

Come home 

With candy 

Or maybe fruit or peanuts 

In his pockets. 

My Dad— Oh, yes, he used to 

Scold sometimes 

When I was bad and needed it, 

But then 

He always forgot it soon and we were happy. 

My Dad, he sent me off 

To school. 

He did. 

And I had lots of money to spend, 

Maybe more 

Than I should have had. 

My Dad, when I left home 

To go to work. 

He said, "Be good." 

And I said, "Of course I will." 

And I have kept my word. 

31 



My Dad, he's getting real , 

Bald-headed now. 

But still he's 

My Dad, 

He's still my old sweetheart. 

My Dad, if I could find a man 

Just half as good, 

I'd marry him — 

But I can't 

And so MY DAD is the 

Dearest man in all the world to me. 



THE WESTERN LAND 

Though far away in the busy East 
Dear memories come to me, 
And thoughts afar will swiftly fly 
To times that used to be ; 
Oh, for a breath of the western air, 
And the light of the western sun 
That shines on scenes so calm and fair 
When the day is almost done. 

I see the snow on the hill-top white 

With a vision sharp and clear. 

I can almost feel the frosty air 

In that place far, far from here ; 

And Oh, for the light of the western stars 

On the sweep of snow so white. 

And the breathless calm that rests o'er all 

The stillness of the night. 

Springtime comes and the violets bloom 

'Neath the brow of the bare lone hill. 

Soon, Oh, soon may be heard the call 

Of the robin, clear and shrill ; 

And Oh, for the western sunshine then. 

The frog's loud mating call ; 

The wild geese honk as they travel north, 

And the gray squirrel sits on the wall. 

The new plowed fields lie rich and brown. 

The wheat has a garb of green. 

The trees are in bud and blossom too, 

And early flowers are seen ; 

Oh, for a smell of the new-turned earth. 

And a sight of the trees' rich bloom ; 

The lure of the many growing things 

For which there is ample room. 

22 



Oh, Illinois, the land of my birth, 

My heart is ever with you. 

You are the garden spot of the earth, 

The land of the morning dew ; 

And Oh, for the time that is to come. 

When I no longer roam. 

But may return to the place I love, 

My only home, sweet home. 

There's loved ones there I long to greet. 
When I shall have left the strife. 
But my country still has need of me. 
Has need of my very life ; 
But Oh, for the sight of the western land, 
Those prairies smooth and green — 
When I go back to the place I love, 
A paradise 'twill seem. 

There are those who toil and know not 

Or care to know of my land. 

But they are fed and warmed and clothed 

By the western toiler's hand; 

And, Oh, for toil in the open air, 

A life that is pure and free, 

A chance to worship God and live 

A life of liberty. 

Oh, I>ove whose power makes mountains move 

And covers the waves of the sea, 

Flee not away but gladly stay 

To bless my own and me ; 

And, Oh, for the time that is to come. 

The joy that sometime shall be. 

When I'm back again 'neath the western stars, 

Of that fair, far country. 



THE HOME LAND 

Over the Eastern mountains lies a land that is fair to see. 
Beneath blue sky and sunshine, is the land of the used to be ; 
Wrapped in the charm of springtime, 
Filled with the glow of dawn — 
I'm going back there, sometime. 
To the land of days that are gone. 

Cities are fair and charming, their people sad or gay. 
Gay with the joy of living, and sad with the toil each day, 
Caught in the mad wild turmoil 
Struggling and fighting in vain, 
Struck with the painful recoil — 
Oh, take me home again. 

23 



There, on the free wide prairies, you're Uving a life sublime; 
Work there is and plenty, to occupy mind and time ; 
And Oh, the living with Nature, 
And the joy of life of love, 
That makes each lowly creature 
Akin to God above. 

The quiet, peace and enjoyment come back with a double 

force 
Making this life unreal and unwholesome, tiring, triflng 

and coarse. 
The old life, the one that's worth living, 
All this you mean to me. 
The old life — it's loving and giving. 
The life that is going to be. 



CHRISTMAS 

Christmas time and I'm far aw^ay 
From my little home berg this Christmas Day, 
And tho happy I am, my thots will flow 
Back to the days of long ago. 

I see the streets of the old home town 
Where people and horses speed up and down. 
I see the snow paved country road 
Where Santa traveled with many a load. 
Across the fields in their virgin white 
We could see the town in the frosty night. 
At the end of the orchard our own pine trees 
Were harps for the gentle icy breeze. 
Beneath the stars, in the night so still, 
You might hear the angels if you will. 
And remember the Babe of Bethlehem 
Who came, God's crowning gift to men. 
Then in the morning, OlV, joy of joys — 
Santa had come with a lot of toys ; 
No brothers or sisters to share my play 
Just mother and dad on Christmas Day. 
The old folks came to share our feast. 
Aunts and uncle, last but not least. 
For mother, many good things had prepared 
And I in helping too had shared. 
Oh, that groaning board of the countryside 
Can not be equalled the whole world wide; 
And the sun outside with dazzling light 
Turned the whole world to gleaming white 
Oh, the times are gone but memory dear 
Goes back in a vision pvire and clear. 
Tho the distance is great I travel back 
In my mind's own way by the gleaming track. 
So it's Christmas tmic and I'm far away 
From m)'- little home berg this Christmas Day; 
But if God so wills some time I'll go 
Back to the scenes of long ago. 

24 



TO THE HOME FOLKS 

Just a merry line or two 

Christmas Day, 
Saying, '*I remember you," 

Christmas Day, 
For no matter where I roam 
Christmas brings dear thots of home. 
And the pleasures we have known 

Christmas Day. 

Just a little verse of cheer, 

Christmas Day 
To the ones I hold most dear 

Christmas Day 
Who have, all along the road, 
Lightened every heavy load, 
yVnd on me their loved bestowed, 

Christmas Day. 

May the Baby in the Manger, 

Christmas Day, 
Be to you no little stranger, 

Christmas Day. 
May His love, bright, pure and true 
Bless all things that you may do. 
This my prayer for each of you, 

Christmas Day. 

Oh, I hope that on another, 

Christmas Day, 
I may be with Dad and Mother, 

Christmas Day. 
No one knows what time will bring, 
But while merry bells shall ring, 
Let us rise and joyful sing, 

Christmas Day. 

Let me close with only this, 

Christmas Day, 
May your hours be full of bliss 

Christmas Day. 
With the beauty of God's grace, 
Love still stretches over space, 
And I kiss each loving face, 

Christmas Day. 



25 



COMING BACK 

Daddy, do you miss my chatter? 
Mama, do you miss my smile? 
Do you miss your "Little Sunshine?" 
Wanting her return the while? 

Do you want to scold and chide me? 
Do you want to give reproof? 
Do you want to help and guide me, 
Keep me safe beneath your roof? 

Do you call me still a baby? 
Will you never think me grown? 
Yes, I know 'tis so and maybe 
More than I will freely own. 

Be of cheer, for I am coming, 
How or when I cannot say. 
But some day behind a humming 
Engine, I'll be on my way. 



THE LONE ONE 



I hear the others tell of all the joys 
In houses full of merry girls and boys ; 
And I sit dumb, a dull ache in my heart 
For that in which I never had a part. 

I had good times, oh, yes, but used to miss 
A brother's jolly tease, a sister's kiss. 
And yet God knows just what was best to give. 
And sent me none that other loves might live. 

Those gifts He gives not to us — there are others. 
For all the world are sisters and are brothers. 
Friendship and love will bless us as we go 
If we a loving heart to others show. 

And then I dream of some dear happy day 
When love may come to me, and then I pray 
Sometime there'll be a household full of joys — 
The dream house I have built — it's girls and boys. 



26 



THE SUNNY SIDE 

"The sunny side of life," says I, 

"Is the only one that is never dry. 

He is blessed who makes his brother laugh, 

And of blessing, himself gets fully half." 



WHY 

Do you ever wonder why 

We do as we do, both you and I? 

But if we think then we will know 

We do, because it must be so. 

If all were sad and sober. Gee ! 

What kind of w^orld would this world be? 



Do you ever wonder why 

We waste our time, as the day rolls by 

In idle thoughts and lighter deeds 

That neither clothes us nor yet feeds? 

But if all of us were sober, Gee! 

What kind of world would this world be? 

Do you ever wonder why 

We think our thoughts and let time fly, 

And dream the dreams that might come true 

If we had nerve to see them through? 

But if we didn't dream. Oh, Gee ! 

What kind of world would this world be? 

Did you ever wonder why 

I think of you as the hours go by? 

I love just you, and no other one 

May claim my heart when the time has come? 

But if we didn't dream, Oh, Gee ! 

What kind of world would this world be? 

Do you ever think what they think of us 
For writing in rhyme all that we discuss? 
But we all can't be wise, and if 'twere so. 
Where would the poor, poor poets go? 
If there weren't some in the world, Oh, Gee! 
What kind of world would this world be? 



27 



STILL WRITING 

I've writ and written 'till I'm tired. 
But still I write some more. 
I'll keep on 'till I'm fired 
Perhaps I should have been before, 
For I can't stop. 

I've written poetry and prose. 
I've written rhymes galore. 
I've written things that each one knows 
Were never writ before, 
For I can't stop. 

I've writ by day and then by night, 
And in the morning too. 
At evening by the gassy light. 
There's nothing else to do, 
For I can't stop. 

I've written of the countryside, 
And of the city din. 
I've written far and written wide. 
But never got a tin, 

Though I can't stop. 

Well, I suppose the day will come. 
When I can write no more. 
I'll go up where Saint Peter sits 
And write there on the door. 
For I can't stop. 



I SAID 

I said I'd never kiss a man. 

Oh, dear ! 

And its a fact I never did. 

Till I came here. 

But I've a sympathetic heart. 

You see— 

And then so many fell in love 

With me. 

I'm really not so very much to blame. 

You kuow, 

Because the boys it seemed to 

Comfort so. 

I said I'd never kiss a man — 

Well, now 

I know I broke my word and cannot tell 

Just how. 



28 



MORE EXCELSIOR 

The snow was falling thick and fast. 
Along" the crowded street we passed. 
We hurried on with rapid feet — 
We reached the place where we would eat 
Excelsior. 



We hung our coats on coat racks there. 
We sat down in a wobbly chair. 
We scrutinized the bill of fare. 
W^e wondered if 'twould do to dare 
Excelsior. 

The girl approacned with haughty mien. 
We never felt so dreadful green. 
We hardly dared to speak a word. 
'Twas all the lovely vampire heard. 
Excelsior. 

We soon received our plates of hash. 
We started in upon the mash. 
We ate until we had our fill. 
The waiter gave to us the bill, for 
Excelsior. 

We donned again each coat and hat. 
Remarked that we were getting fat. 
Our pocketbooks were very flat. 
They charged us twenty bitts for that 
Excelsior. 

We heaved out loud an awful groan, 
Got on a car and when at home, 
We lay upon our little bed, 
There was underneath each head 
Excelsior. 



We wonder when we come to die 
(That's sure to happen bye and bye.) 
We hope, when we arrive on high 
We will not have to sadly sigh 
Excelsior. 



29 



ALL ON A SUMMER DAY 

When the room 
Is so con- 
Founded hot 
That you bake 
Or you roast 
Like as not; ' 
The fan 
Thinks it can 
Make you cool, 
So it bobs 
Up and down 
Like a fool ; 
The heat 
Sizzling up 
From the street, 
Through your shoes 
Burns the soles 
Of your feet; 
When the sun's 
Blinding glare 
Makes you blink, 
yVnd you do 
Nothing all 
Day but drink; 
When the nights 
Seem to be 
Worse than days. 
And the moon 
Shine is a 
Misty haze ; 
When the skee- 
Ters by night, 
And by day 
The flies, all go 
Buzzing away; 
When you all 
Are so tired 
That you sigh 
To find a nice 
Cool place to die ; 
Just think 
Of the days 
Long ago, 
When the cold 
Was your plaint 
And your woe. 

30 



Cheer up, 

For some day 

When the breeze 

Sings songs through 

The bare lonesome trees, 

You'll wish 

With your heart 

For the time 

When the world was a 

Sunshiny clime. 



CONSIDER THE AUNT 

"Consider the ant and be wise," 
Said a sage in kingship's guise. 
And we, working away 
Are given to say, 

"Consider the aunt." 



Consider the aunt and be wise. 
Would she hear it with much surprise? 
We are having a happy time. 
She, heavenward is trying to climb, 
Consider the aunt. 



Consider the aunt and be wise. 
Consider her stature and size. 
Consider the size of her bank account. 
It is no very small amount. 
Consider the aunt. 



Consider the aunt and be wise. 
Make studied and careful replies. 
She has married no man, 
So you surely should plan to 
Consider the aunt. 



Consider the aunt and be wise. 
And when that good lady dies, 
And you read her will, 
'Tis sure you must still 
Consider the aunt. 



31 



HALF A STEP 

Half a step, 

Half a step, 

Half a step forward. 

Slowly I worked my way, conductor thundered, 

"Right up the front there, please. 

"Plenty of seats there, please." 

While slowly in I squeeze. 

How, they all wondered. 

Half a step, 

Half a step, 

Halp a step onward, 

I slowly slid along, cornered and elbowed. 

Then we went 'round a curve. 

Gave a most dreadful swerve, 

Someone with lots of nerve 

On my corns blundered. 

Half a block. 

Half a block. 

Half a block homeward. 

We kept upon our way, several slumbered. 

I, letting go a strap. 

Hastened a glove to snap. 

Sat down in someone's lap. 

Up quick I clamored. 

Half a step. 

Half a step, 

Half a step forward. 

I have my corner reached, reeling most awkward. 

Though scarcely fit to talk, 

I vowed a vow to walk. 

Car riders now I mock 

As I go workward. 



32 



THAT MAXWELL 

A black-haired girl with big brown eyes 
Once told a story in this wise; 
'Twas about a car that could go so far, 
And a nice big boy with big blue eyes 

Oh, Mac's swell car 
Was a Maxwell car, 
And it was a beauty too, 
And he was the lad 
Who could make her glad, 
As none of the rest could do. 

Oh, I know a lad with nice brown eyes 
Who would open them wide in great surprise 
If he heard of this car, that could go so far 
And I hope that soon he'll be getting wise 

Oh, Mac's swell car 

Is a Maxwell car, 

And one I know is, too 

And he is the lad 

Wlio could make me glad 

As none of the rest could do. 



I AIN'T HEARD NOTHIN' YET 

I've a beau who comes three times a week, 

But I ain't heard nothin' yet. 

He's been trying a long, long time to speak, 

But I ain't heard nothin' yet. 

We just talk about the weather, 

Go and see a show together. 

That's great. 

I'll wait. 

Though I ain't heard nothin' yet. 

He's got three farms. 

Two stalwart arms. 

But I ain't heard nothin' yet. 

I'd like to see 

Just how 'twould be 

A wedding date to set. 

He must propose now pretty soon 

Or I will quit, you bet. 

He's quite immune 

To the summer moon, 

For I ain't heard nothin' yet. 

33 



IN THE SERIOUS VEIN 

"No man liveth to himself 

Or dieth— 

Not alone life's road we tread. 

The serious vein is the gold 

Far hid 

Beneath the world's rough view. 



BEING CONGENIAL 



It is a bitter thing when sometimes friendship seems to die, 
And doubting take its place, but passing by 
The small mean phases of the case 
There is some way the causes to efiface. 

When two folks live together day by day and hour by hour, 

A feeling grows between them and the power 

Possessed by the stronger of the pair, 

Is brought upon the other sometimes far too much to bear. 

All this makes some rebellious, on one part — 

A rebellious is never a happy heart. 

The one who is the stronger oft-times does not know 

Just why the other may unhappy grow. 

The mind that is possessed of "pep" and fire, 
Seeks greater things and strives to climb yet higher: 
Yet loving well his partner in the strife. 
Knows not why he's dissatisfied with life. 

The temper that is quick, shoots far and high, 
But it is just as quick to fade and die. 
Far better it, than one that sullen smolders, 
Loading anxiety and doubt on other shoulders. 

There is no one perfection and we know 'tis best 
To harbor not one sullen thought in any breast. 
Forgiving those we love ; with understanding eyes 
Look into the future, praying we may henceforth be more 
wise. 



34 



RAMBLINGS 

We live in a land of dreaming, 

In the land of the used to be. 

We live in the land of Past long- dead, 

Of things that we once did see. 

We live in the land of heartaches, 

Of longings we used to know. 

Of happy dreams that might have been 

If Fate had willed it so. 

We live in a land of sorrow, 

But memory sweet and pure 

Shows love that is ours on the morrow, 

A happiness secure. 

Dreams but foretell the future ; 

They are shadows of the past, 

And though we are living in dreamland, 

Our dreams will come true at last 



NOT IN THE SUMMER TIME 

The world may seem most awful blue — 

But not in the summer time. 
No one will say a thing that's true — 

But not in the summer time. 
You want to weep the whole day long, 
It seems that everything goes wrong, 
You cannot hear a single song. 

But not in the summer time. 

Sometimes it seems that no one cares 

But not in the summer time. 
Unhappiness most coolly stares — 

But not in the summer time. 
Cool breeze, green grass and all the rest, 
The time of year each one loves best — 
Some folks are sad, must be confessed, 

But not in the summer time. 

Sometimes dear friends are forced to part — • 

But not in the summer time. 
Lonely and sad may be each heart, 

But not in the summer time. 
Life is too short to fume and fret — 
To pine away and nurse regret — 
So every one be happy yet 

For it is the summer time. 



35 



I'LL WIN 

If you've failed at first, why, try it again 
And if your mistakes have given you pain, 
Just say to yourself with a steadfast grin, 
"Never mind, next time, I'll win ! I'll win ! 

It's no use to grumble and worry and fret, 
Just get in and work and you'll win yet. 
Don't say "I'll not try now, I've failed like sin," 
But go along crying, "I'll win !" "I'll win !" 

If a thing's worth having it's worth the trying. 
You'll never succeed by sitting and crying, 
"Oh, what shall I do? It's the worst it has been," 
But get right to business and win, win, win. 

It's all the same in the work of life. 
It's all the same in the daily strife. 

And if you get busy and get your work done. 
You may say at life's close, 
"I've won, I've won !" 

THE AURORA 

A faint promise light in the distance 
Now glowing — now fading — is seen. 
With only a hint of its beauty, 
With darkness and silence between ; 

But now growing brighter and clearer, 
Retreating and flickering still. 
Till, shooting up to the zenith, 
Our souls and our consciences thrill. 

See ! See ! in the vault of the heavens 
Full glory it seeks to display, 
With flashes of white and of crimson 
Advancing then fading away. 

Above us, like God's benediction 
'Tis rose with the stars shining thru. 
Then after a while, ever changing 
'Tis gone as a spring morning's dew. 

Some lives ever changing and fitful 
Live on in their beautiful way, 
Never weary but dancing and wilful 
With no sober thot of the day ; 

With never a thot of the morrow, 
Or what future may have them in store 
Till they reach their full zenith of glory 
'Tis rosy and lovely — no more. 

But the stars, shining there laugh in wisdom 
For they are set steadfast and true. 
Now which like, the stars or Aurora 
Is the best wa}^ to live, thinketh you ? 
36 



NOBODY KNOWS 

Nobody knows 

What lies behind the laughter in those eyes. 

Nobody knows 

Sometimes there are in secret, long drawn sighs. 

Nobody knows 

That hope in living almost dies — 

Nobody knows. 

Nobody knows 

That far across the sea beneath a mound, 

Nobody knows 

What joy and love lie buried in the ground. 

Nobody knows 

Those sad lips make no sound. 

Nobody knows. 

Nobody knows — ? 

Oh, yes. There is one Friend whose love will not depart. 

Somebody knows 

And eases sorrows saddest smart. 

Somebody knows 

And comforts someone's weary heart. 

Somebody knows. 



DON'T BE BLUE 

Don't be blue. 

Even though the skies are gray, 
Sun will shine another day. 
Don't be blue. 

Dont' be sad. 

Even though your friends are cross, 
Every gold will show it's dross. 
Don't be sad. 

Smile a bit. 

Even though — in life's weary mile. 
Nothing seems to be worth while. 
Smile a bit. 

Sing a time. 

When you think it is no use 
To give kind deeds for abuse. 
Sing a tune. 

Be a sport. 

And when clouds are chased away, 
Sunshine sure will flood your day.' 
Be a sport. 

37 



HERE AND THERE 

Here and there, 

Though skies are gray, the sun shines through. 

Here and there 

The clouds will part and show a patch of blue. 

Here and there. 

In blackest night a moonbeam filters through, 

Here and there. 

Here and there, 

Though nature sleeps and winter still is cold, 

Here and there, 

Hid in a bed of leaves there is a flower of purest gold. 

Here and there, 

Though someone weeps, sweet spring will soon unfold, 

Here and there. 

Here and there. 

Amid the world's most sullen roar — 

Here and there. 

Is heard a song that seems a heavenly score. 

Here and there, 

Is happiness that never was before. 

Here and there. 

Here and there 

The heart that's tuned by love may find, 

Here and there. 

Sweet comfort to the soul and mind; 

Here and there, 

In one small word that's kind, 

Here and there. 



Here's to the ones who kept their Lenten vows;. 
Who, strong and faithful to their God, His night allows. 
A little thing it is to give up luxury or pleasure. 
Remember what He gave, the ten fold measure. 



38 



UNDERSTANDING 

What is the key to all the world, 
That one thing all must possess? 
What is the secret that is unfurled 
Before there can be success? 
Tell us, pray ere it be too late. 
For we've hunted with might and main 
In places and ways too much to relate, 
With patience and growing pain. 

Tell us not that our days may go. 
And our heads be bowed to the grave. 
Tell us what is the secret you know 
That our failure at last it may save. 

Out of the dawn comes the answer clear. 

"Tis writ on the glowing skies. 

And you may read it never fear 

When the mists have been swept from your eyes. 

It always takes two that may prove the plan 

For one never can see it through — 

And don't you realize. Oh, man ! 

That one of them has to be you? 

For, tho "I understand" is the word of power 
There must be another soul 
Who will answer the watchword of the hour 
And made understanding whole. 



Where can you find another, who 

The responsive chord can thrill? 

Sometimes you must search the whole world through 

Before finding one who will. 

But look not afar nor give up the quest. 

Keep courage in heart, don't fear 

To catch any motion that may suggest 

That such a one be near. 



Live on, live on, and endure the strife, 

Do your part and understand 

That the one who can understand best in your life 

May be he who is near your hand. 

39 



TO HIM WHO HATH 

"To him who hath shall he g:iven," 
Is a proverb known of old. 
And the whole world long has striven, 
Taking meaning as naught but gold. 

To him who hath a happy heart. 
And the more he does to the world impart. 
More happiness shall be. 
The more himself shall see. 

To him who hath compassion, 
A world of love shall come 
With a grand and glorious passion 
That is never known by some. 

To him who hath a mint of gold, 
If he share it free with others. 
Oh, more than gain he shall behold, 
For the world ^vill be his brothers. 

To him who hath but just a start, 
It depends on himself to succeed, 
'Twill come from the fountain of his heart. 
And he "will never need. 

To him who hath shall be given, Oh, 
But what must he have in store? 
The love that will out to others flow. 
Just this and nothing more. 



LOOK WHAT I MADE 



"Look what I made I" with childish pride the boy, 
Holds up to view a simple toy of paper, folded once or twice. 
"Look what I made !" and in his voice there rings 
Joy brought by accomplishment of things. 

"Look what I made!" the unskilled hands were guided 
By fond parental care in their small task. 
"Look what I made I" the teacher well might say 
With joy that brought results of care at last. 

"Look what I made !" God gave to me the child. 
I shaped his life with tenderness and care. 
Look what I made, and sent him forth to live. 
And finish what, thru God, I had begun. 

"Look what I made !" he cries, and yet his voice 
He wills not to be heard if failure be his lot. 
"Look what I made!" and still the w^orld does look 
And looking, see, and seeing, know what he has done. 

40 



"Look "vvhat I made I" each one is wont to tell the world 

By word of mouth, or else by written speech. 

Look what I made, if work be good or ill. 

The world must hear and know; must see and judge. 

"Look what I made !" a happy home, a fireside bright ; 
A monument to them who loved and cared for me. 
Look what I made — at what I toil to give 
And make the world a better place in which to live. 

"Look what I made !" in dumb humiliation each 
At last shall stand before the Maker of all things. 
"Look what I made !" and if his work be good and true, 
"Well done, thou good and faithful ser\'ant," is replied. 



DON'T BE A CAT 
No matter if you're sore 

Don't be a cat. 
There is nothing to be gained 

By that. 
If you feel yourself get peeved, 
Sat upon and sorely grieved, 
O'er some hurt you have received, 

Don't be a cat. 

If somebody won your friend, 

Don't be a cat. 
And say, "I'll get even in the end 

For that." 
Don't think of turning up your nose. 
There are lots of other beaus, 
And a thorn in every rose. 

Don't be a cat. 

If you think something not fair. 

Don't be a cat. 
Let the world know you don't care 

About that. 
For a cat has nasty claws. 
People don't like her because 
She regards no human laws. 

Don't be a cat. 



41 



A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE 

Everybody is in love 

Sometime 

With something 

Or someone, 

And if this were not true, 

God pity the world. 



I WILL 

Where thou goest, I will go. 

Though the night is dark and the clouds hang low. 
And the lightning flash shows rocks below. 
Where thou goest, I will go. 

Where thou dwellest, I will dwell, 
Though the cot be far on the mountain swell, 
Or down where the billows surge and well. 
Where thou dwellest, I wall dwell. 

Thy people shall be my people, 

Thy God, my God shall be. 

And He who watches o'er all the world, 

Will watch o'er vou and me. 



SUNSHINE SONG 



Sunshine is ever with me 
Sunshine of love. 
Gloom can not overwhelm the 
Sunshine of love. 
'Tho skies may be o'er shadowed. 
Cold winds may roar; 
\\^hat care I, for in my heart is 
Sunshine evermore. 

Sunshine tells spring is coming. 

Springtime of love. 

Bright flowers will soon be blooming. 

Blue skies above. 

Oh, how my heart is singing 

One glad sweet song. 

Love has brot the sunshine to my heart. 

So nothing is wrong. 



42 



THE DREAM BABY 

Oh, dream baby, your eyes 

Are blue as the skies, 

And your hair is gold as the sun. 

The curls on your brow 

Are soft as the show, 

And your cheeks are blush roses, each one. 

Your soft arms entwine 

My neck in the time 

When I take you alone on my knee. 

As our heart strings entwine, 

Little darling of mine. 

Oh, when are you coming to me? 

]\ry dream baby, dear 

Your laugh is clear 

As the voice of the brook at my feet. 

The dimples that show 

As they come and then go 

With your smile, there is nothing so sweet. 

Oh, dream baby, dear, 

Has been many a year 

Since you came to dwell in my heart. 

To me it does seem 

Such a wonderful dream 

That I pray it may never depart. 

I hope that some day 

Not so far, far away 

You may come and stay with me. 

I know you will play 

In my arms all the day. 

And be a real baby to me. 

Oh, dream child so sweet, 

If we never do meet 

In this world of sorrow and woe, 

In Heaven above 

We will meet and still love. 

For there you are living, I know. 



43 



LITTLE SOUTHERN GIRL 

Little southern girl, we do not know or care 
Whether you are dark or very fair. 
One thing sure we know, you must be very sweet 
To have a friend whose very soul is lying at your feet. 

Little southern girl, we do not know at all 

Whether you are short or very tall. 

One thing sure we know, your heart should be most true, 

To have a friend whose whole life aim seem loving you. 

Little southern girl, we never hope to meet. 
Never on this earth your pretty smile we'll greet. 
One thing sure we know you never need to fear, 
Losing your lover's love even though he is not near. 

Little southern girl, we other girls can say 

He's most faithful to you and speaks of you every day. 

One thing sure our own dear boys are just as true. 

And we'll send your southern boy back home safe to you. 



THE CASTLE 



I see a castle in my dreams, 

I've seen somewhere before, it seems. 

It's twin towers rise on either side. 

It's gray stones many secrets hide. 

My heart is very rapt, I fear 

In this castle of my Engineer; 

And though he's far across the sea, 

He'll soon be coming back to me. 

We'll build a castle, not of stone. 

'Twill be a happy little home. 

And we'll forget the long, long years 

That he was with the Engineers. 



44 



THE FIVE 

A maiden and a man, one winter night 

Were sitting by the fire's warm, flickering light. 

Returned from war was he, and the trace 

Of war's reahty still lingered on his face. 

His eyes appealing were as if to ask 
A world of love, and that dear task 
Was freely done — the maiden there 
With firelight playing on her ruddy hair. 

"Have I the right to ask?" he said, "But tell me true 

Am I the first to be loved by you? 

Is there no other who might claim 

That you have loved him just the same?" 

" 'Tis fair to ask," said she, "And I 

Will tell you all the tale, and why 

With many loves a woman's heart is blessed — 

But there is only one that's sweet and best. 

A young girl loves the hero of her dreams. 
In her young life almost a god he seems. 
With black or golden hair, as it may be. 
No fault in him she ever seems to see. 

When but a child in school, there was a lad 
For whom this kind of love I truly had. 
But as the years went on I learned to know 
'Twas not the will of God to have it so. 

Now this was hero love, the kind we grow 
In just imagination, and we show 
Our dreams to no one else, until some day, 
Our dream dissolves, our hero fades away. 

Again I met a lad so tall and brave — 
My brother he, this love I seemed to crave. 
I loved his voice, the look in his blue eyes — 
This, too departs, and on time flies. 

Once more I love and this time too it seems 
That I live night and day in only dreams. 
I learned to know the lad and he 
Conlided all his hopes and plans to me; 

45 



Those things which to a sister might be given 
And which to think out clearly he had striven, 
Ambitions which were stirring in his heart, 
An older sister I — and played the part. 

Still once again I thought I loved but soon it went. 
It's part was played ; it's breath of passion spent. 
It did not lill my life. It could not be my all. 
It did not answer to my own heart's call. 

The love that came to us, when far apart, 
Is truly love of mind and soul and heart. 
Is love God gives apart from passion's force. 
Is love space and eternity cannot divorce. 

This love I have for you and you for me. 

Our love through lengthening years shall stronger be. 

The great love, this and all the rest 

Is far removed from it, the true love and the best." 



VAIN WORDS 



Thou tellest me not to waste my time 

In idle dreams. 

Thou mightest tell 

The sun to cease its shine, 

The moon to fade away. 

Thou tellest me not to dream 

The hours away. 

And dost thou know, 

A youth once, thou thyself 

Were prone to do the very same? 

Thou tellest me not to dream. 

Hast thou frogot 

The lovetime of thy youth? 

And does it not 

Still yet return to thee sometime? 

Thou tellest me not to dream. 

Thou shouldest say 

To make my heart cease beating — 

Breath to come and go. 

As not to sweetly dream my dreams. 

Thou tellest me not to dream. 

But when fulfillment comes 

I shall not dream, 

But live in love 

I only dream of now. 



46 



MY DEAREST 

My dearest, when you were here 

I did not know 

That I could ever love you so, 

But just to think that you'll return 

Makes all my heart with gladness burn 

And yearn 

For that happy day 

Not far away 

When I shall see your face 

And be in your embrace. 

My dearest, the days had melted 

Into months. 

Before I realized that once 

You clasped my hands but did not try 

To take one kiss — unwilling, I, 

But why? 

It will not be the same 

When you return again, 

For I have learned to know my heart 

And will to you my love impart. 



THE TWO 

A kiss beneath the mistletoe, 
And a kiss that answered a dare — : 
These are all there are to remember, 
Are all you had to spare. 
Only in jest were they given 
And in jest received 'tis true. 
For one brief moment, heaven. 
That's all I had of you. 

That's all I had, and haply 
I knew there could be no more. 
Though sometimes it seemed I, raptly 
Would dream of another score. 

Everyone loved you. Sunshine, 

And I no less than the others. 

In your heart of hearts there is all that's fine. 

You are the prince of brothers. 

While years may come and fade and go, 

Though the world be dark or fair, 

I'll treasure that kiss 'neath the mistletoe. 

And the kiss that answered the dare. 

47 



JACK 

Many times I've thot I loved 

And thought I could be true, 

But it all is naught when it's compared 

With the love I have for you — ■ 

Oh Jack, with your smile and eyes of blue. 

Many lads have made love to me 

As sweet as any could be. 

But never was any half so dear 

As you have become to me. 

Oh Jack, why can't you be true? 

Many lads have besought me hard 

To go with them the whole world thru — 

But never I go with one 

As I would go with you. 

Oh, Jack, what shall I do? 

The long hours pass and I wait in vain 
And my heart is surely aching, 
While you stay away and do not care 
Or know that my heart is breaking — 
Oh, Jack, you are fair but fickle. 

You have a heart somewhere I know, 

And I'm trying my best to find it 

Tho the way of a maid with a man must be guarded 

With a smile tho there's tears behind it ; 

O, Jack, you heart breaker, you. 

Revenge is sweet, but what do I care 
For the world is full of others. 
M}^ heart is free and the world is fair 
And I have a dozen lovers— 
So Jack, dear, don't you worry. 

I VISH YO COULD BE MIT ME ALVAYS 

Venever der sun shines bright, 

Venever der stars are clear at night, 

Venever der flowers bloom all aroun' 

I dink of yo' 

An' vish yo' could be mit me alvays. 

It's all der time I dink of yo' 

It's all der time mine heart is true. 

I vunder if you'll effer know 

How I am luffing of yo' so, 

An' dink of me. 

An' vish yo' could be mit me alvays. 

48 



THE FIRST LOVE 

I gave you a rose, Oh, years ago, 

And kept a rosebud too. 

You never knew 'twas more than the rose 

That night, that was given you. 

My youthful heart had not yet learned 

Some things were not to be. 

Though lips were mute, my whole heart yearned 

That you might care for me. 

Oh, passion of youth that has passed away 
To the place where memories dwell ! 
When I think of what you were to me 
'Tis clear that I loved too well. 

Another love has come to me. 
And another light does burn. 
I pray. Oh, pray that it go not away 
But to me some time will turn. 

'Tis June again, with the roses bloom, 
And memories dear of you. < 

In the long, long years that have passed between. 
You never, never knew. 

Ah, life is loves that come and go. 
And each one leaves it's trace. 
Till the love of God o'er all shall flow 
And glorify each face. 



RENUNCIATION 



A bitter thing it is, when love is made to die 

And hope to flee. 

No matter if we know the reason why 

And know it has to be ; 

When up and down the chambers of the heart 

There walks a ghost. 

And memory seems to sit apart. 

Of pain, renunciation causes most. 

A noble thing it is, when one has had to suffer pain 

And breaking heart, 

To well forget and go about his work again 

Doing his part. 

Though now and then a moment may recur 

Of "might have been" — 

But leading onward, upward, Hope will not defer 

To make him glad within. 

49 



NINETY AND NINE 

Nine long days since I've seen you 

And each day has been a week 

Nine long weeks since your arms were 'round me 

And your kisses on my cheek. 

Ninety and nine, I think its been 

Since you held me to your breast, 

And told me sure I was always yours. 

And you loved me true and best. 

Are you fair and fickle, 

Or do you think that I 

Will find another lover 

And forget you bye and bye? 

But though ninety and nine long years may pass 

Your face in dreams I'll see. 

Your memory will live in my heart of hearts. 

When you long have forgotten me. 



UNSPOKEN 



Only a word of greeting 

At church or on the street, 

Only two smiles when meeting. 

All in a moment fleet. 

Only two brown eyes seeming 

,To search a pair of blue, 

Only a heart beat quickened 

And another quickened too ; 

Is there a tongue that speaketh 

Its message in the eyes? 

Is there a voice that whispers 

What the mouth belies? 

Why do we ask such riddles 

When we are told, and true, 

"The pain of my heart you may read in my eyes 

That tell how I loveth you?" 



THE SOLDIERS 

Our soldier pals we now remember 
In words of fitting rhyme. 
We don't forget 
That they have helped 
To make our happy time. 



50 



SOME CONSOLATION 

Do not moan that you did not roam 
The battlefield's red muck. 
Just be wise and realize 
You are very much in luck. 
And though you hate the place you are, 
And long for home that lies afar, 
It's well to thank each lucky star 
That no battlefield you struck. 

It may seem tame to build just huts. 
When trenches are your line. 
It may seem soft to eat English "cuts," 
When on sauerkraut you hoped to dine. 
The life you have now seems awful slow. 
You long for some Yankee "pep" and "go," 
But your service was needed there and so 
You were not sent to "the line." 

You may get tired of "Doncher Know !" 

And long to wring some neck. 

You want to see some real true snow 

Not mud by the slushy peck. 

You may be tired of sight and smell 

Of English beer and cigars as well — 

But it isnt' like what the fellows tell 

Of the "dope" in France, "by heck." 

You may be tired of English duds 

And long for Yankee clothes 

You're surely tired of eating "spuds" 

And their smell offends your nose. 

But cheer up, you and the gloomy ones — 

It is not like facing Huns 

Amid the roar and crash of guns. 

Lots more quiet, goodness knows. 

You may be tired of English boots. 

And long for the feel of shoes. 

But still you haven't those awful "coots" 

That infest the battle crews. 

Cheer up, old boy, you'll soon be back. 

Your train is waiting on the track. 

For welcoming you will not lack 

Yours, is anything you choose. 

So do not sigh for the chance gone by 
And wish you had gone to fight ; 
Home — home again to the western land 
And the western stars soft light; 
Home — home again to the land God made . 
To the water cool and green tree's shade 
With the consciousness that the debt is paid 
And Right has conquered Might. 
51 



SOLDIER BOY 

Soldier-boy, soldier-boy, 

Where did you roam? 

Far away, far to France, over the foam. 

Soldier-boy, soldier-boy. 

Where did you land? 

Somewhere in France on some lonely strand. 

Soldier-boy, soldier-boy, 

What did you then? 

We did our duty and quitted us men. 

Soldier-boy, soldier-boy. 

Where did you go? 

Went after the Boches and there was some show. 

Soldier-boy, soldier-boy. 

What did you there? 

We shot at the Kaiser and made the lad swear. 

Soldier-boy, soldier-boy, 

That must have been fun. 

Wish we mig-ht have gone to see how 'twas done. 

And soldier-boy, soldier-boy. 

When you came back? 

We cheered for the U. S. till our voices did crack. 

We'll work for our homeland as hard as we've fought. 

We'll always be happy in homes that we've bought. 

We love and remember the loyal and true. 

Who knitted and knitted gray, khaki and blue. 

We'll never forget what each one has done. 

Now the Kaiser is vanquished and Victory won. 



WE DO 

"The girls all fall for a soldier." 

Yes, what you say is true. 

The girls do fall for the soldiers 

And sailors in khaki and blue. 

Oh, boys, in your vigor and manhood. 

We are glad that we love each one. 

We're proud of our country's defenders 

And love each mother's son. 

We love though we never have seen you, 

Or seeing, may not see again. 

We pray for your luck and your welfare, 

Our brothers, our sweethearts, our men. 



52 



TO THE FIFTH ENGINEERS 

To the Fifth Engineers our greetings we're sending. 

It is also good-bye as your service is ending. 

We're glad for your sakes, yet sad for own, 

For it means breaking up of the friendship we've known. 

Whatever you plan, whatever you do. 

We know that success is bound to accrue. 

So we will now speak of the last memorable night, 

And sa}^ we enjoyed our part in the fight. 

In the camp service club where the Bolshevists meet. 
Other meetings were held till plans were complete 
For the big annual ball that was last year in France, 
In Washington now — a supper and dance. 

The old "Flying Fifth" sure was up on its toes. 
Though they don't fly they dance, this everyone knows. 
Oh ! Fifth Engineers, we know that you are 
Both gallant in love and dauntless in war. 

Well, each one arrived in plenty of time. 
Smiling and happy and looking quite fine. 
We can scarcely begin, there is so much to tell. 
But we had to agree that the supper was swell. 

Then someone suggested a speech— unforseen. 
A sergeant arose with surprise in his mien. 
And said "We're famous for action, and so 
To action I think we had all better go." 

The floor was so good, the music entrancing, 

That twelve bells had come 'ere we finished our dancing, 

Then home and some nice little chats, but Ah ! 

What they all were about we "ja ne sais pas." 

'Tis over at last, the long looked for event, 

Very seldom more joyful hours have we spent. 

You shall know that we thank you and can never forget. 

While we see you all go with sighs and regret. 

Oh ! Fifth Engineers, we've heard of your daring. 
But not from your lips. Your castle we're wearing. 
And can you yet understand that this token 
Rests near some hearts badly bent if not broken? 

Yes, Fifth Engineers, it's farewell at last, 
Fate always wills that this comes to pass. 
Our smiles and our love go with you forever. 
And we will forget you never, Oh never. 

53 



MY SOLDIER 

He's some lad — that soldier boy of mine — 
Deep down in his heart is all that's fine. 
He lives his life in a care-free way, 
With joy, 

And he won my heart one sunny day— 
That boy. 

He has some smile — a flash of white teeth showing; 

A stalwart frame just built for steady going. 

He's happy, too, each day in summer fine — 

My man — 

I'd pick him out from all the world for mine 

To stand. 

My soldier's cheeks are bronzed, and underneath, the rose 
Shines with the glow that healthy mind and body shows. 
His eyes are blue. His hair is like the silk of corn 
Out West. 

That dear, far place where we both were born — 
That's best. 

He has a heart just made for love. That's so. 

And he'll be true as stars above, I know. 

I'm mighty sure he's the man God made for me — 

My lover. 

He's the only one in the whole wide world, I see 

No other. 



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